Hi.

My apologies in advance if this subject was touched on before.  I have purchased a new Virginian E33 Spectrum electric locomotive #82404 and plan on installing a TCS T1 decoder with a harness connecting said decoder to the 8 pin plug on the board which came with the locomotive.  Do I need to make any adjustments to the board itself?  I believe I read before that a capacitor needs to be cut in order for the decoder to perform properly.  It appears that the board has 3 capacitors.  Which one needs to be cut?

Thank you for your assistance.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi.

I do not have this particular model number however I purchased a Proto 2000 NYC EMD E7A Phase 1 unit last year and have had no problems with it at all along with the other 3 Proto 2000 locomotives on my pike.  It comes with a QSI sound/motor decoder and I believe 2 speakers rendering very good sound.  The engine crawls at speed step 1 (when using 128 speed steps) and accelerates smoothly.  The overall quality of the unit is top shelf from the paint to the details.  I recommend Proto 2000.

All the best.

Reinhard

I just measured the length of the number 6 crossover on my layout and the 21.25" dimension quoted earlier is correct.  The track assortment set will come in handy, once available.  I am planning to use several #6 crossovers which will present some odd dimensions.

All the best.

Reinhard   

Thank you for the clarification.  Now the waiting period until they, once again, become available.

All the best!

Reinhard.

Hi.

The 2009 Bachmann catalog states that the DDA40X requires a minimum radius curve of 22" whereas the February 2010 issue of Madel Railroader states that Bachmann recommends a curve radius of no smaller than 24".  Can anybody tell me which is correct?  I realize that the bigger the curve radius the better.

All the best!

Reinhard

Hi Again.

The turnouts that I am using are the Bachmann DCC type.  I am able to operate 8 of these (independently) with the EZ Command.  I am not sure as to the number of decoders in each turnout (I was under the assumption 1 each).  Would the Dynamis be able to control 20 Bachmann DCC turnouts in the same fashion as the EZ Command?

Thanks again, and all the best.

Reinhard   

Hi All.

I am currently using the Bachmann EZ Command on my modest layout, however, I have, and am planning, more DCC turnouts than the unit can support and thus to my question: How many DCC turnouts can the Dynamis system control?  I am looking at a maximum of 20 DCC turnouts.

All the best.

Reinhard 

Thank you for the information!

All the best!

Reinhard

I have read several articles on this subject, however, one point still eludes me.  In order to convert a DC locomotive to DCC the motor must be isolated from the frame.  How does one ascertain this important piece of the puzzle?  Are newly manufactured DC locomotive motors already isolated from the frame?

All the best!

Reinhard 

Hi Larry,

I have several of the Bachmann magnetic uncouplers which I use in conjunction with EZ track.  The magnet has a self adhesive which is placed inside the roadbed of the EZ track.  The rolling stock or locomotives to be uncoupled move to the area of track where the magnet is (the brakeman is placed at that area for reference), a reverse in direction is applied and the magnet moves the couplers to uncouple.  The rolling stock can then be pushed to a desired position without coupling.  That's how it works in theory.  Sometimes it works as advertised and sometimes it does not.  At times the cars uncouple, when not desired to do so, when the train is coasting over the magnet.  The best method is to use a thin wooden skewer coated with a small amount of graphite.  Place the skewer in between the couplers, give a clockwise twist, and you got it.  It takes a little practice but it works.

All the best!

Reinhard S.
 

Hi Lexon.

Very informative.  Thanks much!

Cheers!

Reinhard S.

Thank you for the information.  Will the addition of the DC power pack to the EZ Command solve the noise problem and the lights?

Cheers!

Reinhard S.

I have recently purchased a Bachmann DC only locomotive to take advantage of the function 10 button on my EZ Command and noticed a distinctive high pitched whistle sound emanating from the locomotive and it appears that the headlights are much brighter.  Is there any way to overcome this whistle sound and bring the headlights back to a more normal output?

Cheers!

Reinhard S.

I am new to DCC as well with a limited budget.  I purchased the Bachmann EZ Command system and I am more than satisfyed.  The basics of DCC are met with this expandable system as you mentioned that CV programming is not a priority.  Bachmann has turnouts that are DCC which work well with this sytem (only 8 can be programmed but you can double-up as I have).  Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Reinhard

I need some expert advice concerning the Bachmann DCC turnouts.  I have a modest 4 X 8 layout with 10 of these turnouts (2 are doubled-up) powered by an EZ Command.  While running a train and switching a turnout at the same time the train loses noticable power.  Could anybody advice me on how to fix this problem?  Could any damage be inflicted to either the locomotive, EZ Command unit, or the turnouts?

Cheers

Reinhard